Things almost played out very differently in the career of UFC Vegas 106 headliner Gilbert Burns.
‘Durinho’ is enduring a difficult period in MMA’s leading promotion. Burns lost to Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena before his most recent defeat against Sean Brady left him on a three-fight losing skid.
The Brazilian is now without a win since sending Jorge Masvidal into retirement two years ago and finds himself far out of title contention.
But that certainly hasn’t always been the case. In fact, Burns once delivered a highlight that left fans wondering whether he was about to become a UFC champion.
Gilbert Burns rocked Kamaru Usman with brutal punch in UFC 258 title fight
After winning four straight upon returning to the welterweight division in the UFC, Burns earned the opportunity to stand across from his former teammate and the then-champion Kamaru Usman.
The pair met at the Apex in January 2021, headlining UFC 258. At the time, Usman was coming off a dominant title-winning performance against Tyron Woodley and successful defenses versus Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal.
Early on in the fight, ‘Durinho’ looked on track to achieve what bitter rivals Covington and Masvidal couldn’t when he stunned Usman with a brutal right hand.
Though not credited as a knockdown, Burns’ strike forced a dazed ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ to drop both hands to the ground as he sought to stay on his feet.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian challenger, he was unable to capitalize on that moment. Usman ultimately knocked Burns out in round three to keep the UFC welterweight gold in his possession.
Gilbert Burns isn’t giving up hope of a second UFC title shot
Burns has struggled since, losing four of his last seven fights. That negative run has dropped the Brazilian down to No. 8 in the rankings.
But despite his losing form and the approaching age of 40, ‘Durinho’ is confident that he still has what it takes to compete with the best.
That opinion got a boost recently after his former opponents Muhammad and Della Maddalena headlined UFC 315. The latter emerged victorious following five rounds to become champion.
Burns was just seconds away from defeating Della Maddalena in 2024 before the Australian mounted an unlikely comeback to remain unbeaten in the UFC.
To return to fighting the division’s top names, ‘Durinho’ must first defend his spot in the top 10 against the undefeated Michael Morales.
The pair are set to collide in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 106 card at the Apex, concluding a lineup that also features the likes of Paul Craig, Sodiq Yusuff, and Julian Erosa.